What sump pump installation involves
For a basement without a sump, the floor is cut and a pit is dug at the low point, ideally where weeping tile can be connected. For a basement with an old pit, we check the liner, the inflow and whether the pit is big enough for a modern pump.
- Locate the pit with reference to the weeping tile and the foundation.
- Install a sealed liner with a lid.
- Set the pump on a firm base, clear of debris.
- Fit a check valve so discharged pumped water cannot drop back into the pit.
- Run the discharge out of the house and away from the foundation.
- Test with a measured volume of water and confirm the float switches cleanly.
Why North York houses need it
Older North York homes were often connected with their weeping tile draining into the sanitary or storm sewer. When those sewers surcharge in a heavy storm, water can push back toward the basement. Toronto's flood protection subsidy for basements has, at times, covered sump pump installation alongside weeping tile disconnection, so check its current terms before you book.
Plumber's tip: Discharge must not be aimed at a neighbour's property or onto a sidewalk where it can freeze. We plan the exit point with you on site. Call (365) 517-5705.
How we write up the job
Before cutting the floor, we note the pit location, the pump model and horsepower, the outlet route and whether the pump will get its own outlet. Electrical requirements are listed separately so nothing is assumed. After installation, the test results are written on the work order.
Signs you should call
- Water seeping where the floor meets the wall after rain.
- A basement that flooded during a storm with the floor drain overflowing.
- Weeping tile known to connect to the sewer.
- A finished basement planned with no water management in place.
Already have a pump that is old or noisy? See sump pump replacement. For gas or electric water heater work in the same basement, water heater replacement can share the visit.
Costs and what affects them
The price turns on whether a pit already exists, the thickness of the floor slab, how far the discharge must travel, the pump chosen and whether a battery backup is added. Finished basements need flooring and walls worked around. You get a written quote from the site visit.
Looking after the new pump
Lift the lid each spring and fall, tip a pail of water in and confirm the float raises, the motor runs and the pit drains down. Listen for the check valve closing. Clear any silt from the bottom of the pit, and make sure the discharge outlet outside is not buried under snow or mulch. A pump that runs constantly in dry weather is telling you something, so call and describe it.
Job at a glance
| Category | Basement |
|---|---|
| Tools | Core drill, liner, pump, check valve, PVC discharge |
| Final test | Pit filled with a hose and pump cycling on its float |
Tell-tale signs
- Water seeps in where wall meets floor
- Weeping tile is connected but has nowhere to go
- Disconnected downspouts left the lot wet
Steps on the job
- Cut and dig the pit at the lowest corner
- Set the liner and gravel, then the pump on a stand
- Run the discharge with a check valve outside past the foundation
- Plug in to a dedicated outlet and fill the pit to cycle it
Your questions on this one
Is a sump pump covered by the City subsidy?
The City of Toronto's flood protection subsidy for basements has included sump pumps when installed with weeping tile disconnection. Check the City's current program rules before booking.
How loud is a new sump pump?
A properly mounted pump with a sealed lid and a quiet check valve is far quieter than older open-pit setups.
Where should the discharge go?
Onto your own property, two metres or more from the foundation and sloped away, never onto a sidewalk or neighbour's yard.